How To Build A Bookshelf Bookcase

Want to learn how to build a bookshelf bookcase? Need a place to store your books and  display the family pictures from the last vacation? A bookshelf bookcase will give you plenty of storage space and display area. There are may styles to choose from, but they are all built basically the same. It needs to be durable, clean, and appealing to the eye. With some simple tools and craftsmanship this can be accomplished rather quickly.

To build a bookshelf bookcase you will need:

• One 2 x 10 x 12 foot piece of wood, cut in half.
• Two 1 x 10 x 8 foot piece of wood  
• Two pieces of 1 x 10 x 8 inch lumber cut into three 32-inch sections
• Four “L” shaped brackets (should be four per shelf)
• Router or saw
• 1/4 inch piece of plywood or thin hardwood
• 1/2 inch brads and 3/4  inch long screws
• Sandpaper
• Stain
• Paint
• Drill
• Drill bits
• Screwdriver
• Hammer

1. First cut the wood that will make up the sides of your bookcase. If you do not have the ability to cut the wood yourself, take it to a lumberyard and have them cut a piece of wood into two separate pieces approximately 72” in length.
2. Next you will cut the bottom, top and the shelves of your bookcase. The pieces of wood measuring 1 inch x 10 inch x 8 feet should be cut into three, 32 inch sections.
3. This next step would work better if you had an electric sander but it is not needed. The edges of all the boards and plywood/hardboard should be sanded, painted or stained.
4. Now would be a good time to measure your books, or the items that will be placed on the bookcase. Once this is done determine the space that you will need your shelves to be and use a pencil to mark the space on your bookcase.
5. Take the "L" shaped brackets and attach them to the sides of your bookcase where the spacing marks are. The brackets should be approximately three inches from front and from the back of the bookcase. This step is also a good time to paint the "L" shaped brackets to blend in with the color of the bookcase.
6. Place the bookshelves that were cut previous, should be fastened securely to the "L" shaped brackets and then make your way down. Starting from the top place the top shelf about one inch from the top of the bookcase for a good appearance, this is however optional.
7. The last step to making your bookcase is to cut the plywood/hardboard and attach it to the back of the bookcase. This should be attached to the back with brads. 

It is complete. All you must do now is put it in place. You can dress it up a little by using trim around the edge of the front edges, but the bookshelf bookcase is now ready to go.